Consumer's Guide to Hiring an Architect

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california Public Protection Through architects Examination, board Licensure, and Regulation Consumer’s Guide to hiring anarchitect SURVEY

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By completing the survey, you are helping to improve our services. Please use the Quick Response (QR) Code below or visit the following link: surveymonkey.com/r/Consumers_Guide_to_Hiring_an_Architect Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect table ofcontents INTRODUCTION 1 THE PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE 2 Should I hire an architect for my building project? 2 FINDING AND SELECTING AN ARCHITECT 4 Basic project criteria 4 Request for information/qualifcations 5 Making the fnal decision 7 THE CONTRACT FOR DESIGN SERVICES 8 Mandatory items for the written contract 9 Additional recommended items in the written contract 9 Keeping records 11 Financial issues 12 Release of plans 12 Construction hints 12 WHAT TO DO IF A PROBLEM OCCURS WITH YOUR PROJECT 13 Design professionals’ liens 13 Mechanics’ liens 13 What constitutes a complaint? 14 How to fle a complaint 14 How will the Board respond? 15 SPECIAL PROVISIONS IN THE EVENT OF A NATURAL DISASTER 16 Penalties for unlicensed practice 16 Requirements for reconstruction 16 Release of copy of plans 16 Immunity following an earthquake 17 WHERE TO NOTIFY THE BOARD 18

introduction

Are you thinking about hiring an architect? Consumers and businesses often wish to construct or modify sites, buildings, or other structures The best approach is to hire an architect to plan, design, and observe the construction of these projects

Working with an architect helps ensure that your project is designed properly The California Architects Board (Board) examines, licenses, and regulates more than 22,000 architects The Board’s mission is to protect the welfare of the public by ensuring the professional performance of those architects licensed to practice in the state The Board produced this Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect to help you understand the sometimes complex and technical nature of architectural services It provides information on: • what types of projects require a licensed architect; • how to fnd and select an architect; • what the written contract between you and your architect should contain; and • how to manage budgeting and construction of your project

By following the suggestions contained in this guide and carefully planning and thoroughly discussing your project beforehand with your architect, you will help ensure a successful project

california architects board 1 the practice of architecture

California law defnes the practice of architecture as the planning of sites, and the design, in whole or in part, of buildings or groups of buildings and structures Any person who uses the title of architect, or advertises to provide architectural services in California, must be licensed as an architect by the Board

Obtaining an architect’s license requires an individual to demonstrate competence by passing a national examination, a Supplemental Examination required by the State of California, as well as providing evidence of at least eight years of education and/or experience (which includes completion of a structured intern development program requiring 5,600 hours of experience) Individuals are tested for competence in the following areas: • applicable codes and regulations, and assistance in the governmental review process; • investigation, evaluation, consultation, and advice; • planning, schematic and preliminary studies, designs, working drawings, and specifcations; • coordination of services and/or documents by technical and special consultants; • technical assistance in the preparation of bid documents and agreements between clients and contractors; • contract administration; and • construction observation

SHOULD I HIRE AN ARCHITECT FOR MY BUILDING PROJECT? For a successful project, it is generally recommended that you hire an architect; however, not every building project requires

2 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT an architect’s services Current California law provides that persons who are not licensed as architects or registered as civil or structural engineers can design certain types of buildings or portions of buildings, including: • Single-family dwellings of conventional woodframe construction that are not more than two stories and basement in height; • Multiple dwellings containing no more than four dwelling units that are of conventional woodframe construction, not more than two stories and basement in height, and not more than four dwelling units per lot; • Garages or other structures added to dwellings of woodframe construction that are not more than two stories and basement in height; • Agricultural and ranch buildings of woodframe construction, unless the building offcial deems that an undue risk to the public health, safety, or welfare is involved; • Nonstructural or nonseismic storefronts, interior alterations or additions, fxtures, cabinetwork, furniture, or other appliances or equipment, including nonstructural work necessary to provide for their installation; or • Nonstructural or nonseismic alterations or additions to any building necessary for the installation of storefronts, interior alterations or additions, fxtures, cabinetwork, furniture, appliances, or equipment, provided those alterations do not change or affect the structural system or safety of the building

However, before you hire someone who is not a licensed architect or registered engineer to design a new building or alter an existing structure, it is suggested that you consult the building offcial in your city or county building department who can advise whether your project will require a licensed architect or engineer to prepare and submit plans and specifcations In determining whether you need a licensed architect or engineer, the building offcial will consider existing state laws, the public health, safety, and welfare, and local environmental and geographical conditions such as snow loads, winds, earthquake activity, tidal action, food hazard zones, and soil conditions

california architects board 3 finding and selecting an architect

Start by obtaining the names of several architects from more than one source You can ask for recommendations from people you know, or look on the internet for California licensed architects, frms, and professional associations You can also receive more information about the practice of architecture and referrals from professional associations such as The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its local chapters (www aia org)

Some architects specialize in designing certain types of structures such as single-family dwellings, multiple residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial structures, while others design a variety of building types You may fnd it to your advantage to contact several architects or architectural frms After receiving referrals and recommendations from various sources, you will need to determine which architect will be able to provide the services you need at a cost you are willing to pay The following information will assist you with this process

BASIC PROJECT CRITERIA Prior to selecting an architect, you should defne basic criteria for your project and prepare to share this information with the architects you are considering The basic criteria for your project should include, but not necessarily be limited to: • the desired size, appearance, and functional requirements of your project; • the services you expect the architect to perform; • proposed total budget including fees, permits, construction costs and contingencies; • how the project will be fnanced and, if known, by whom; and, • important/critical milestone dates such as anticipated starting and completion dates of your project

4 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT Request for Information/Qualifcations To make sure you hire a qualifed architect for your project, you should request the architect provide information about their qualifcations and experience After reviewing this information, you may want to interview a number of architects to determine their understanding of your project and your compatibility During the selection process, you may want to ask some or all of the following questions:

General Information • How long have you been in business? • How many persons are employed by your frm? • Do you have a valid California architect’s license? If so, what is your license number? • How have you kept current in your practice? • Do you intend to use consultants for this project? If so, who do you propose to use? What are their qualifcations? What has been your experience with them? Are they insured? • What percentage of your practice involves the type of structure I intend to build? • Do you carry insurance? If so, what type(s)? How long have you carried each type and what are the policy limits?

Experience • Have you recently designed the type of structure I intend to build? • When and what was your most recent project? • May I see examples of your previous projects that are similar to my project (sketches, photos, plans)? • May I have the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the clients for these previous similar projects? • What was the actual construction cost versus budgeted cost for these projects?

Services • What services did you provide for these clients during the design, bidding, and construction phases? • What services do you propose to provide for my project during each of these phases?

california architects board 5 • Which services are “basic” services and which are “extra or additional” services? • Who will provide these services, you or your employees? • What services will you not provide or are provided by others? • What does construction observation services entail? How often will you be on site? What is your role during site visits/ during construction?

Fees • How will your fees for my project be determined and what services do the fees cover? • Will you provide probable construction cost estimates for my project? • If consultants (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, testing and inspection, interior design, landscape architecture, etc ) are necessary, are their fees included in your “basic” services fee or are they separate services? • What additional costs (e g , permit and other governmental fees) or services (e g , time spent obtaining necessary permits and other approvals) do you anticipate for my project? • How do you establish your fees for additional services and reimbursable expenses? • Will there be a charge for redesign if it is necessary to meet the construction budget? • Will there be additional charges for changes required by the building department or other government agency? • How are additional charges computed for design changes requested by me or requested by a contractor?

Time • Can you meet my proposed schedule? Disputes • How will we handle any dispute that may arise between us?

6 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT Making the Final Decision It is wise to check the references that each architect gives you and ask the following questions: • Did the architect adhere to required schedules and budgets? • Were you pleased with the architect’s services and your working relationship with the architect? • Did the architect listen to your concerns and attempt to resolve them? • Would you hire the architect again? • What problems surfaced during the project? How were they handled? Were they resolved to your satisfaction? • Did the architect have a productive relationship with the contractor and others involved in the construction of your project?

If possible, visit the projects the architects have used as examples of their services Although the Board does not maintain a referral service and cannot recommend architects; it can advise if an architect is currently licensed and whether the Board has taken any enforcement and/or disciplinary action against that architect You can contact the Board by telephone or visit its website at www cab ca gov

california architects board 7 the contract for design services

Since January 1, 1996, California law has required that any architect who agrees to provide architectural services to a client must have a written contract The contract must be signed by the architect and client prior to commencing services, unless the client knowingly states in writing that the services can be started before the contract is signed, or the client states in writing, after being informed about the statutory provision, that he or she does not want a written contract

Although there are these few exceptions to the requirement for a written contract, the Board recommends that you always insist upon a written contract with the architect to document the terms and conditions that will govern your relationship Many architects prepare their own contracts or have them prepared by an attorney; others use standard form agreements published by AIA Whatever contract is used for professional services, it is a legal document that binds you and the architect to certain obligations for the life of the project and, in some cases, beyond project completion It should include the specifc services that you and your architect have agreed upon and the conditions under which these services are to be rendered Otherwise, issues could arise that may be both expensive and time consuming to resolve Review the contract carefully It is your responsibility, along with the architect’s, to understand and follow the contract You have the right to question and negotiate changes in the terms of the contract before signing it, even if it is a printed standard form Because it is a binding legal document, you may wish to have your legal counsel review the contract before you sign it You should retain an original copy of the signed contract In addition, you should not make agreements with other parties regarding your project without frst notifying the architect

8 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT MANDATORY ITEMS FOR THE WRITTEN CONTRACT California law (Business and Professions Code section 5536 22) requires that a written contract for architectural services contain, at a minimum, the following items: 1 a description of services to be provided by the architect to the client; 2 a description of any basis of compensation applicable to the contract and method of payment agreed upon by both parties (e g , hourly rate, fat fee, percentage of construction cost); 3 the name, address, and license number of the architect and the name and address of the client; 4 a description of the procedure that the architect and the client will use to accommodate additional services; and 5 a description of the procedure to be used by either party to terminate the contract

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED ITEMS IN THE WRITTEN CONTRACT Beyond those items required for architects by law, the Board recommends that a contract for architectural services be as clear and complete as possible in defning the goals and the expectations of both parties for the project Since this venture is a collaboration of client and architect, the contract should clearly defne the client’s responsibilities, as well as those of the architect Basic client responsibilities generally include providing the following: • project information and decisions in a relevant and timely manner; • property related information including legal descriptions, boundary and topographic surveys showing existing conditions, soils testing and reports, unless otherwise defned or authorized in the agreement; • description of desired project requirements, especially related to size, uses, and appearance; and, • defnition of critical project milestones such as funding cycles, third party approvals, and anticipated or required completion/occupancy dates

california architects board 9 Basic contract could be expanded to include some or all of the following: • the address of the project and, if applicable the project’s title; • a narrative description of the project including any unique or special requirements; • the project schedule with critical time frames for events such as funding cycles, third-party approvals, completion of design services, start and completion of construction, occupancy date, etc ; • an estimated construction budget and a description of what it includes; • a provision for fee and construction budget cost escalation or contingencies for changes in the project scope during design and construction phases or for delays to schedules; • an understanding of when the client’s approval must be given in order for the architect to proceed to the next phase; • an itemized listing and description of the architect’s basic services and the proposed fee; • a defnition of additional services and procedures for authorization and compensation; • a defnition of reimbursable expenses and the procedures for authorization and compensation; • a defnition of the procedure for documenting all changes in project scope, cost, and schedule; • a listing of the project consultants, if known, that may be needed (i e , engineering, geotechnical, landscape, etc ), and the procedure for hiring and compensating them; • a schedule of when fee payments are due and in what amounts; • a defnition of the amount of any required retainer fee and how and when it will be applied to the total fee for services; • how fnal payment is computed if the contract is terminated; • a clarifcation of who is responsible for keeping project account records and when they may be reviewed; • whether construction observation services are included and a description of the intent and scope of these services, and if they are part of basic or additional services; • whether assistance with bidding and/or establishing a contract between a contractor and owner will be provided and if it is part of basic or additional services;

10 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT • a clarifcation of who owns, can use or reuse the project documents, including electronic fles, and at completion of the project or if the architect is terminated; and • a procedure for handling disputes between the parties should the need arise (for example, arbitration, mediation, or civil action) (Be aware an architect has a right to fle a Design Professionals’ Lien and/or a Mechanics’ Lien in the event the agreed-upon fees are not paid See page 13 )

KEEPING RECORDS It is important to keep the written contract and a written record of all verbal communication with your architect related to the project Do not assume your architect will interpret everything you discuss with him or her the same way you do When you have a meeting or discussion with the architect about your project, write the architect a memo or email confrming your understanding of that meeting or discussion These memos can help to prevent misunderstandings from occurring and may prove invaluable should a problem or dispute occur Include the date and time of your conversation in the memo or email, as well as the date you write it You may also want to write memos or notes to yourself about the progress of the project Photographs or videotapes taken at regular intervals (with notes as to the dates that the photos are taken) can be very useful in establishing a historical record of the project Keep detailed fnancial records by ensuring the architect provides detailed invoices Also keep records of the date and amount of each payment you make Require the architect to obtain your written approval at designated phases and before additional costs are incurred Make sure that you receive a copy of all documents you sign, and keep a copy of all documents you give to your architect

california architects board 11 FINANCIAL ISSUES Before you sign the written contract, clearly establish the total amount of money (including contingency funds) you are willing to pay for the design and construction of your project, the frequency of progress payments you will make to your architect, and the amounts and schedule for these payments Make sure this fee schedule is recorded accurately in the written contract, and that you make each payment to the architect as called for in the contract If you have obtained a loan for your project, ensure that it covers both the cost of your architect’s services and the construction cost Payment schedules should refect the services to be provided on your project Be wary of excessive advances or retainer fees to begin services Make the fnal payment when the services are complete in accordance with your contract and you are satisfed with the services your architect has provided you Careful planning and discussion with your architect regarding services and payments, as well as accurate record keeping, will develop open communication and lead to a successful working relationship

RELEASE OF PLANS The offcial copy of the plans maintained by the building department of the city or county is open for inspection as a public record However, a copy may only be duplicated with the permission of the architect and the original or current owner Criteria for retention and release of offcial copies of permitted projects by building departments are defned in Health and Safety Code sections 19850-19853

CONSTRUCTION HINTS Unless you are experienced in construction, you probably should not attempt to build your project yourself A properly licensed and experienced building contractor should perform the construction Contact the Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752 or www cslb ca gov to verify a contractor’s license and to access consumer information A building permit does not guarantee that the plans your architect gives you are suffcient for construction Discuss the plans with your architect and your contractor to ensure that they are suitable for bidding and construction purposes

12 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT what to do if a problem occurs with your project

You have a right to receive competent and professional service from the architect you have hired However, even if you have read and followed this guide and have done everything possible to prevent problems, you may still encounter diffculties

In the event a problem should arise, you should frst, discuss the problem thoroughly and calmly with your architect If you believe the architect is violating your written contract, review the contract and other relevant documentation with the architect If your contract has a dispute resolution procedure, you should comply with it or take civil action as appropriate You may also fle a complaint with the Board

DESIGN PROFESSIONALS’ LIENS Design professionals have a right to record a lien before construction begins A design professionals’ lien is a separate remedy available only to architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors who provide services during the planning phase of a private work project under a written agreement with the owner The lien is on the property for which the project is planned and may not be recorded until a building permit or other governmental approval associated with the project has been obtained in connection with the services rendered by the design professional

MECHANICS’ LIENS Once construction commences, an architect may have the right to record a mechanics’ lien against your property for any unpaid fees Like design professionals’ liens, a mechanics’ lien is a separate remedy available to certain persons that bestow labor, services, materials, etc to a private project The law governing mechanics’ liens is very complex In the event of a dispute with your architect that results in the recording of a mechanics’ lien, you may wish to consult legal counsel

california architects board 13 WHAT CONSTITUTES A COMPLAINT? The Board has the power, duty, and authority to investigate alleged violations of the provisions of the Architects Practice Act (Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 3, section 5500 et seq ) The Board is also given specifc authority to receive and investigate complaints against its licensees and to discipline violators accordingly Do not hesitate to call or write the Board about any questions or concerns you may have The Board may take action against architects for: • fraud in obtaining a license; • impersonation or use of an assumed or corporate name; • aiding unlawful practice; • signing someone else’s plans or permitting the misuse of their name; • fraud in the practice of architecture; • negligence or misconduct; • failure to accurately represent qualifcations; • confict of interest; and/or, • incompetence or recklessness

Disciplinary and enforcement actions may include license revocation, license suspension, license probation, citations, civil injunctions, and/or referral to local district attorneys for criminal prosecution The Board may also investigate complaints about unlicensed individuals attempting to provide architectural services

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT You may contact the Board at the address listed in this booklet If you telephone the Board, you will be sent a complaint form with instructions for fling a complaint against an architect or unlicensed person Complaint information and forms are also available online at www cab ca gov You will need to fll out the form and return it to the Board with any evidence to support your complaint If you submit a letter, fully describe your complaint Submit copies of all documentation that you believe will substantiate your complaint Keep the originals of these documents, as well as a copy of your complaint letter Include your name, address, and telephone number so that the Board can contact you if more information is required

14 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT You have the right to remain anonymous if you so choose by requesting it at the time you fle your complaint However, anonymity may add some diffculty or may prevent the Board from fully investigating your complaint and/or prosecuting the case

HOW WILL THE BOARD RESPOND? You are encouraged to notify the Board as early as possible so that Board staff can help you resolve the problem After the Board receives your complaint, you will be formally notifed of its receipt and that the Board is beginning the review process If necessary, you will be asked to provide additional information If the Board believes that the complaint has merit it will begin the investigation by evaluating the professional and/or technical aspects of your complaint A letter will be sent to the architect approximately 10 days after receipt of your complaint requesting a response to the allegations The Board may only take action where there is a violation of the Architects Practice Act If your complaint concerns something outside the Board’s jurisdiction, you will be notifed if another state or local agency might be able to assist you If you are seeking recovery of money for alleged damages, you should consider other avenues of redress (i e , arbitration, small claims court, civil, or criminal action) as the Board does not have the authority to recover money damages for you The Department of Consumer Affairs has several publications available at www dca ca gov concerning small claims court The Board gives priority to complaints involving a person’s life, health, safety, or welfare

california architects board 15 special provisions in the event of a natural disaster

In the event of a declared disaster such as an earthquake, fre, or food, additional provisions of state law become effective

PENALTIES FOR UNLICENSED PRACTICE When responding to advertisements or solicitations offering architectural services, disaster victims should verify whether the person offering services has a valid license Only persons licensed by the Board may call themselves architects and provide architectural services During a declared state of emergency, the penalty against an unlicensed person who represents that he or she is an architect in connection with the offer or performance of architectural services for the repair of damage to a structure caused by a natural disaster is increased and punishable by a fne up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment

REQUIREMENTS FOR RECONSTRUCTION Individuals are advised to contact their local building offcials for clarifcation of the requirements for repair or reconstruction of their project It may not be possible to recreate the home or business as it existed before the disaster if it was designed years ago to conform to building codes that have since been changed In some instances, substantial design or redesign services may be necessary to meet current code requirements

RELEASE OF COPY OF PLANS If damage to residential real property is caused by a natural disaster declared by the Governor, and if the damage may be covered by insurance, the architect or other person who prepared the plans originally used for the construction or remodeling of the

16 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT property must release a copy of the plans to the homeowner, the homeowner’s insurer, or a duly authorized agent of either upon request The plans may only be used for verifying the amount of damage for insurance purposes The architect may charge a reasonable fee to cover the reproduction costs of providing a copy of the plans The plans cannot be used to rebuild any part of the property without prior written consent of the architect or other person who prepared the plans If prior written consent is not provided, the architect will not be liable if the plans are subsequently used by the homeowner or anyone else to rebuild any part of the property

IMMUNITY FOLLOWING AN EARTHQUAKE California has a Good Samaritan Law for licensed architects, engineers, and land surveyors who, at the request of a public offcial, provide safety inspection services, without compensation, at the scene of a declared national, state, or local emergency caused by an earthquake This law provides that the “Good Samaritan” architects who provide these services are immune from liability This immunity applies only for an inspection that occurs within 30 days of the declared emergency

california architects board 17 where to notify the board California Architects Board 2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105 Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 574-7220 (800) 991-2223 www cab ca gov cab@dca ca gov

18 CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HIRING AN ARCHITECT SURVEY

The California Architects Board values your input. After reading this publication, please take a moment to complete the Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect survey.

2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 105 Sacramento, CA 95834